Vodafone Rugby Ball 2018

What a weekend! It kicked off on Friday night at the IRFU Charitable Trust Ball – kindly sponsored by Vodafone, during which time the Ireland U20s secured a bonus point victory over Scotland. Followed on Saturday by an Ireland men’s senior team bonus point victory over Scotland at the Aviva and with other results in our favour, Ireland became the Six Nations 2018 Champions. Congratulations to Irish Rugby and in particular Joe Schmidt and the team! Unfortunately the Ireland Women’s team were narrowly defeated by Scotland on Sunday but enjoyed a team dinner in the Aviva Stadium afterwards where over 100 women were capped from 1993 to 2006.

A big thank you to the Ballsbridge Hotel who hosted the Charity Ball on Friday night and the drinks reception, generously sponsored by Guinness and Tanqueray Gin, went down well with all those attending. Alan Shortt brilliantly entertained throughout the night including the running of the Auction which received a great reaction and importantly generated generous funding for our seriously injured players. A particular highlight was when Alan Shortt interviewed the Trust’s special guest – David Ross, who is one of our injured players. We wish David all the best in his final year exams!

John Callaghan, IRFU Charitable Trust Chairperson, spoke passionately about the tireless work the IRFU Charitable Trust and the many volunteers undertake, making particular reference to the Rugby ball as the Trust’s most important fundraising event during the year. John further thanked all the sponsors and everyone for attending the ball.

A thoroughly entertaining Q&A was hosted by Luke Fitzgerald with Isaac Boss, Luke McGrath and Josh van der Flier. Due to the snow storm the previous week, Stuart Lancaster was unable to attend as he was with the Leinster team who drew with Scarlets on Friday night. Later that night guests hit the dance floor to Irish acoustic folk rock band Hermitage Green.

Thank you again to all those who helped create a highly memorable and entertaining event. We greatly appreciate the support and all proceeds from the night go to supporting our seriously injured players.